The Hancock County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday issued a warning about a dangerous synthetic drug which is believed to be responsible for two overdoses this past weekend in Diamondhead.
The drug, nicknamed "Lucy," is a synthetic compound which mimics the effects of LSD, Hancock County Narcotics Commander Jeremy Skinner said Tuesday.
Last Friday, Diamondhead police officers were dispatched to a disturbance involving a combative teen male, Skinner said.
Officers attempted to use a Taser gun to subdue the teen, but it had little effect, Skinner said. After finally gaining control of the situation, medical personnel attended to the teen, who showed signs of an overdose.
Later, doctors at the hospital had to induce a coma to save the teen's life, Skinner said.
Skinner said officers learned that the teen had ingested some type of substance, but it was unclear exactly what it was.
Tests revealed no controlled substance in the teen's system, Skinner said.
On Saturday, Diamondhead Police were called to investigate another possible overdose, this time a teen female, Skinner said.
The girl was not combative, but showed many of the same symptoms which the teen from the previous night had, Skinner said.
Both of the teens have since been released from the hospital, officials said.
Skinner said tracking synthetic drugs is difficult. He asked that parents and friends be aware of their dangers.
"We have identified the person whom we believe is the supply source of this synthetic chemical compound which mimics the effects of LSD, and will continue to explore all avenues for criminal charges," Skinner said. " However, agents have met many obstacles over the last few years when it comes to synthetic drugs. This synthetic drug, like much of the 'spice' found on the streets, does not contain any of the chemical compounds that match what is listed in the Mississippi state statute. We encourage parents and the public alike to reach out to the state elected officials, as we have, and ask for the law to be changed in a way that law enforcement can get a grasp on the distribution of these synthetic drugs. I want to reassure the public that while our hands may be tied, we will continue to do everything in our power to address this problem."